SHINee singer Onew pens note to fans ahead of enlistment

Dec. 10 (UPI) -- South Korean singer Onew penned a sweet note to fans ahead of his enlistment.

The 28-year-old K-pop star, a member of the boy band SHINee, said goodbye to fans in a handwritten letter Sunday prior to beginning his mandatory military service.

SHINee shared the note on its official Twitter account and other social media pages. The Korea Herald said Onew asked fans to stay healthy and happy until his return.

"I will be taking a brief period to rest. Please consider this as my opportunity to prepare a better version of myself to you," the singer wrote.

Onew enlisted Monday afternoon but kept the specific details private. He did not hold any farewell events for fans.

Onew's enlistment follows the release of his first solo EP, Voice, which debuted last week. The album features collaborations with Rocomberry, Kenzie, Monotree and other artists, and includes the moody single "Blue."

Onew is the first member of SHINee to begin his military service. The group released the three-part album The Story of Light this year following member Jonghyun's suicide in December 2017.